The Breakfast Grille

Rubber has had a long history with Malaysia where at one time we accounted for half the world's supply of rubber, transforming Malaysia into Britain’s richest colony. But for the past decade, the industry has been on decline since its heyday. We speak to the Malaysian Rubber Board's Dato Dr Zairossani for the government's plan on expanding the industry and assisting its stakeholders. See omnystudi...

Homegrown jeweller Habib Jewels has been giving the Gift of Happiness to Malaysians for 65 years and counting. But can Habib keep Malaysian spirits and the fortunes of the overall company buoyed amid global economic headwinds? We discuss the intricacies of the jewellery business with Dato' Sri Meer Sadik Habib, Group Executive Chairman of Habib Group. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/...

With Hari Raya round the corner, we check in with Datuk Wira Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin as to how sales have been, what is his strategy in a very competitive environment and will Mydin ever be sold. We also ask if this new government is pro-business and what advice would be given to a budding entrepreneur. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Integrated auto e-commerce platform Carsome has the distinction of being the first Malaysian unicorn, reaching the critical USD$1 billion valuation in July 2021. But as global macroeconomic headwinds dampen the prospects of industry disruptors like Carsome, including scuppering its widely touted IPO last year, can the company stay on course for growth and profitability? Eric Cheng, CEO and co-foun...

After 3 very challenging years, no thanks to the pandemic, has Tune Protect finally turned to corner? What are the growth strategies, why do they want to be part of the Bank Negara's financial sandbox and does being associated with Air Asia work against them. Questions we pose to Rohit Nambiar, Group CEO, Tune Protect whilst asking him if the market underappreciates the stock. See omnystudio.com/l...

T7 Global Berhad has its roots in the oil and gas industry and now diversified to the construction and aerospace industry. Executive Director, Tan Kay Vin shares with us how the company is navigating through net zero ambitions of the oil and gas players, why dabble into other industries, as well as updates on their consortium with Siemens to upgrade the baggage handling system for KLIA. See omnyst...

Founded in Penang in 2012, Bon Estates has come a long way and rebranded itself to target high end luxury consumers in Kuala Lumpur with a handful of projects under its belt. We speak to CEO Chan Jin-Wy on the boutique developer's business performance, how the economic slowdown is impacting sales and future projects for Bon Estates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb reported their best financial year to date in 2022, achieving their first profitable full year on the back of the resurrection of the travel and hospitality industry post-pandemic. How sustainable is this growth momentum and how much does the Southeast Asian region contribute to Airbnb's fortunes? We discuss the outlook for the short-term rental market in Malaysia and the region with Amanpr...

Private Healthcare providers saw earnings decline sharply during the pandemic as most differed elective procedures. But is recovery in sight? Nadiah Wan, Group CEO of listed TMC Life Sciences Bhd gives us that answer whilst offering her views on the structural issues facing Malaysia's healthcare system and if public private partnerships are one solution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

SME Bank as a DFI has multiple mandates but what is their track record in helping SMEs. Datuk Wira Dr Aria Putera Ismail, CEO, SME Bank answers that question whilst telling us how the bank is performing financially and the health of SMEs today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does a MOF company founded more than 100 years ago involved in legacy management, property and fund management still have relevance today. Questions we pose to Ahmad Feizal Sulaiman Khan, Group Managing Director at Amanah Raya Bhd, who will also tell us if the compliance issues in the past have been dealt with and their strategies for growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With almost two centuries of shared history, the UK without a doubt has had major influence in the political, economical and societal structure of Malaysia. With more than RM30 billion worth of total trade between both countries, the UK continues to be an important political and economic ally to Malaysia. H.E Charles Hay, British High Commissioner to Malaysia comes on the Breakfast Grille to discu...

The government is abolishing the mandatory death penalty for 11 offences, and will put a cap on prison sentences between 30 to 40 years. What are the implications of this on the overall prison system, and what other reforms need to be implemented in tandem to improve the rehabilitation chances and welfare of inmates? We discuss this with our panel of experts. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystu...

Volvo Truck is the largest producer of heavy trucks in Europe and established its presence in Malaysia more than 50 years ago. Managing director, Tony O'Connell shares with us efforts to accelerate commercial EV adoption as well as their business growth in the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the pandemic, academics and business schools now face pressures on multiple fronts. We speak to newly appointed CEO of Asia School of Business, Sanjay Sarma for his thoughts on how ASB is doing in today's landscape and get a sense of where the future lies in executive education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The speed in which SVB and two regional banks collapsed in US and the subsequent demise of CS took markets by surprise. We speak to Thorsten Beck, Professor of Financial Stability, Florence School of Banking and Finance at the European University Institute as to the reasons for this, will there be a contagion effect on the banking system and what can regulators do to restore confidence. Image cred...

Despite global inflation and supply chain troubles permeating 2022, A&W Malaysia recorded its best performance to date on the back of new store openings in East Malaysia. How sustainable is this bounce in revenue and what are the greenfield regions still open for expansion? We get updates from the Global CEO of A&W Restaurants, Kevin Bazner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

Euromonitor International estimates that the market size for beauty will grow to nearly USD$550 billion dollars in 2027, with much of that driven by the Asia Pacific. However, with so many new labels emerging in an intensely competitive market place, can long-standing brands like The Body Shop stay relevant amid fast moving trends and the digital age? We catch up with Datin Mina Cheah-Foong, Manag...

Malaysia and Brazil have established their respective embassies for four decades already. Brazilian ambassador, H.E. Ary Norton de Murat Quintella shares with us the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two nations, and President Lula's stance in the Russia-Ukraine war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First invented by the Greeks in 5th Century BC, democracy has grown to be a very appealing form of government for many countries in the world. While the idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy, the core concept of a rule by the people with a system of which citizens have the power to participate in decision-making remains somewhat true. Author Dr Diego Fossati discusses the evol...

The consortium comprising Boost and RHB Bank is one of 5 digital banks in Malaysia licenced by Bank Negara back in April 2022 and before 2023 ends, we should expect to see the result of this partnership. Sheyantha Abeykoon, Group CEO of Boost, returns to the Breakfast Grille to update us on the fintech player's path to profitability and the challenges of navigating this new, all online, playing fi...

Japan and South Korea have long had a frenemy-type relationship as a result of historical grievances. Does the recent visit to Tokyo by President Yoon Suk Yeol herald a new age in their bilateral relations? We discuss the outcome of this landmark visit with Tokyo-based journalist William Pesek. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made reforms the cornerstone of his government agenda, hence the Law and Institutional Reform portfolio under the Prime Minister’s Department takes on outsized importance in pursuing legislative change. But how much are political considerations holding back progress on reforms? We discuss the government's reform agenda with Ramkarpal Singh, Deputy Minist...

Faber-Castell is a 261-year-old stationery maker that has had a presence in Malaysia for more than 40 years, manufacturing erasers and ballpoint pens, among others. How did this company weather the pandemic when demand for such products was at its lowest with the closure of schools, colleges, universities and offices. Andrew Woon, the Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia, Indochina and East...

Started in 1919, Chatham House is an independent policy institute headquartered in London. We discuss recent world developments with the director of Asia Pacific, Ben Bland, including the rise of China as a superpower and our understanding of authoritarian vs libertarian regimes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.